Band to rock the rafters

An aspiring band from Staffordshire is set to rock the rafters at a leading Midlands venue in the hope of securing a major support slot.

Penkridge-based Marvyn Oates has been selected to perform in front of a panel of judges at Birmingham's Carling Academy as part of the Carling Supports event which is a new showcase for local bands.

The best band will get the chance to perform live on stage at a future Carling Academy Birmingham show; enjoy seeing their name in print in a national music magazine; and have their two best tracks featured on a specially produced Carling Supports CD.

Marvyn along with band members Tim Ash, from Penkridge, lead guitar/vocals; John Caulton, from Cannock, bass guitar; Danny Rush, from Stoke, on drums; and Dan Watson, from Stafford, on keyboards; will line up against other Midlands-based artists Page 44, Satsangi and Jacks Wasted Life to wow the crowds on Sunday.

Marvyn Oates has enjoyed a wealth of success since he formed the band in 2005 with regular gigs across the region, frequent local radio airplay and supporting The Bluetones in Wolverhampton

The band's web and myspace site attract an army of fans who are kept up to date with gig dates and new releases.

Marvyn says he is delighted at being chosen for the Carling gig and hopes this along with the new CD will help secure a recording contract from one of the many labels currently showing an interest. He said: "Of course we would love to win Carling Supports and secure a contract with a label but we really enjoy what we do and can't wait for a packed out academy to see us play.

"We are already living the dream by constantly writing new material, showcasing it to new and existing audiences live and seeing their reaction."

The Carling gig kicks off a series of dates to launch the band's new CD, Ticker Tape Sessions, and takes in venues including: JB's Dudley; Midland Arts Centre, Birmingham; The Swan, Stone; and the Hope and Anchor in London.

Tickets for Sunday's event are £4 from the Carling Academy box office or £5 on the door. Over-18's only. For more information visit: www.marvynoates.com